Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reopened Bunia Airport in Ituri Province following a 10-day suspension of commercial flight operations imposed to contain the spread of a deadly Ebola outbreak.
The reopening marks a cautious return to normal air transport activities in the province, which remains at the centre of an outbreak that has raised public health concerns across East and Central Africa.
The DRC, alongside neighbouring Uganda, is battling a resurgence of the highly contagious haemorrhagic disease, which the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) estimates has claimed at least 246 lives.
Commercial flights to and from Bunia Airport were suspended on May 23 as health authorities moved to strengthen disease surveillance and implement preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of transmission through air travel. During the closure, only humanitarian and medical flights were permitted to operate.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said the temporary shutdown was necessary to allow authorities put in place enhanced health protection measures for passengers, airport workers and airline personnel.
Announcing the reopening, the Ministry of Transport said a review of the outbreak response and monitoring mechanisms showed that adequate safeguards had been established to support the gradual and safe resumption of commercial flights.
Officials noted that health screening, surveillance and response measures remain in place as authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
The decision to restore flight operations is expected to ease transportation challenges in the conflict-affected province while ensuring that public health precautions remain a central part of airport operations.
Authorities have, however, urged travellers and aviation stakeholders to remain vigilant and comply fully with all health protocols as the country continues to manage the outbreak.
